Sikeston police: Man tried to sell pills to off-duty officer

SIKESTON, Mo. -- A Sikeston man police accuse of making an illegal drug sale approached the wrong person -- an off-duty officer.

Devante O. Clark, 19, is charged with distribution of a controlled substance near public housing following an incident Monday. According to Sgt. Jim McMillen, public information officer with the Sikeston Department of Public Safety, about 1:20 p.m. Monday an off-duty Sikeston DPS sergeant was in the 400 block of Fletcher Street when he was approached by a man who stated he was in the area mowing yards. While talking, the man asked the officer if he would be interested in purchasing Vicodin.

The DPS officer realized the man was attempting to sell a prescription-only narcotic and agreed to purchase some.

"The officer left and met with Sikeston's Narcotics Division to set up the sting," said McMillen. "He returned to the area an hour later along with some other officers to complete the deal."

The off-duty officers bought the pills and the suspect was apprehended soon after, McMillen stated in a news release.

Clark, who was on probation for distribution, was given a $5,000 cash-only bond through the Scott County court.

Pertinent address:

400 Fletcher St., Sikeston, MO